The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1887-03-24
Senator Edmunds views.

The Washington Star of the 18th. pub
fishes an interview with Senator Edmnnds
in which the Vermont statesman gives his
views Of current public matters. Refer
ring to the administration of President
Cleveland, he says:
''In all frankness 1 must say do not think 1t
has been a success. Whatever the desires and
of those at the head of affairs may
have been, it was impossible for th EN- to follow
out successful policy with the weight of q
party SO composed upon their shoulders. With
such a broad field of administ ration the Presf-
dent must have others to rely on for assist
ance; but placing reliance in his party must
Inevitably lead him astray. With the tremen-
dous pressure of the party behind him, he has
been forced into numerous errors. All Presi-
dents, perhaps, have made some bad appoint
ments, but none. think, ave been betrayed
otter as he has. In party composed OF men
who honestly believe that the interests OF the
country demand that Trey should have control
OF affairs-I do not question their honesty in
this opinion-wh think that the end justifies
the means. the party workers. the men who
have worked in the wards and bulldoZed and
stuffed ballot boxes and claim the rewards, are
not suitable to perform public trust. A large
percentage of Mr.. CIeveland's appointees have
been either Incompetent or improper persons :;
or, being competent. have been rascals. Some
of these men he has selected without knowing
anything about them others he has appointed
upon the endorsement of members of Congress
OF his own party, who have not hesitated to
betray his commence WIN some WORK Ia
would show an immense proportion of rascals
do not say that it would amount to a majority
but certainly none OF Mr.. CleveIand's prede-
cessors were as often betrayed.
ale has been pulled both ways" the Senator
continued, "between his civil service reform
pledges and the party pressure. Sometimes he
has appeared to hold to one and sometimes to
Yield to the other. He seems to stand half way
between the two. One day he has declared
that a good official who was Republican
should not be disturbed AT another time he
has yielded to tremendous party pressure in
something else. But there are Republicans
still in office, and think we should give him
credit for what he has done. AS in the case of
the preacher who was good four days in the
week and went off on a lark for two days, we
should give him credit for the good there is In
him.
"Do you think the Democrats will rem ominate
him ?'' asked the reporter.
Eyes. There is no one else they could run
with any chance ofsuccess. They cannot NOM
mate anyone else and hope to succeed"
"Wonld he hold the republican votes he got
before?"
"As between two evils they would vote fol
| him. Though he has not lived up entirely to
| what they understood to be his promises, they
with his party, and they may not see where
! they will find another who would do as we'll. ,
.'What do you think of the chances of the
republican party in '8S ?" asked the reporter.
SCENTS the best principles of government ant
! having confidence in the intelligence of thu
people and their ability to discriminate, ex
| pect the Republicans to be restored to power.
hThat depends on the nominee, does It not
| suggested The Star" man.
Eyes. But having confidence in the wisdom
of my party l think they are sure to nominat
| a good man"
"Who are the prominent men now to tn
front ?"
sAh, excuse me, but do not care to speak O
that. Many things may happen within wv
years."